Friday, January 29, 2010
Last night's performance by Redmond's poet laureate draws attention.
Comment: The short soundbites of poetry recorded by FOX 13 do no service to our poet laureate's literary art. I hope the city will produce a VIDEO that shows the true value and meaning of Rebecca's artistry.
I really wanted to see our new poet laureate, Rebecca Merideth. My wife and I rushed from our workout at the R.A.C. last night to get Soulfood Bookstore by 7:30. We arrived just in time to hear Rebecca read a poem and talk about her new part time job as Redmond's poet laureate. I was moved by her reading, enough that I'd like to have it in writing to share with my daughter. Every seat was taken in Soulfood with a mixture of older adults and some children. Other known poets read at open mic.
We noticed the Channel 13 Fox news van was just outside, but we missed their interviews. Back at home, Pam shouted: "the Fox news show is on!" After some talk about the scarcity and cost of poet laureates in Washington Councilmember Hank Margeson was interviewed. Rebecca gave answers to the program's purpose and meaning. read the complete Channel 13 Fox story.
It was announced Rebecca is planning to read at Redmond High School. She works M-TH so Friday may be the day for many of her public performances. The Mayor had to attend a PTSA meeting at Einstein El. so couldn't make it. Councilmember John Stilin (former Arts Commission Chair) was gone, preparing for "ONE NIGHT COUNT THE HOMELESS". John is on the 1AM - 5:30PM shift.
By Bob Yoder
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Are you kidding me? There are people struggling b/c of our economy and our city takes OUR tax dollars and gives it to a poet. I don't know how, in good conscience, Ms. Merideth can accept the money.
ReplyDeleteCC
Sorry, this should be a volunteer position. The honor and ability to call one's self the Poet Laureate should be enough. Period.
ReplyDeleteOMG... where are our priorities? With every government entity asking for (or merely taking) more tax money from strained family budgets, is this really the best use of those funds?
ReplyDeleteI'd rather spend my "art tax" on a poet laureate who can be seen and heard at schools and public gatherings than "public works art" like cement fish and frog moldings on walls underneath bridges. The "Public Works Art tax" should be cut in half.
ReplyDelete"I'd rather spend my "art tax" on a poet laureate who can be seen and heard at schools and public gatherings than "public works art" like cement fish and frog moldings on walls underneath bridges. The "Public Works Art tax" should be cut in half."
ReplyDeleteHow about none of the above?